6 dead, including 4 children, in Barrhaven homicide, Ottawa police say
Four children and two adults were killed at a home in the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven, Ottawa police say.
Police say the six victims were found deceased inside a two-storey townhouse on Berrigan Drive late Wednesday night. Officers responded to 911 calls just before 11 p.m.
One person has been arrested.
“There is no ongoing threat to public safety,” Ottawa police say.
Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s The Morning Rush with Bill Carroll that investigators don’t believe the homicide is an incident of domestic violence/intimate partner violence.
Stubbs says the investigation is in its early stages. The Ottawa Police Homicide Unit is now investigating.
“The manner of the homicide, we are not disclosing at this time,” the chief said.
Stubbs says investigators are trying to determine the relationship between the victims and the suspect.
Police and the Coroner are working to identify the victims, but Stubbs says investigators believe the four children are members of the same family.
“A real tragedy; a significant incident for the whole city of Ottawa,” Chief Stubbs said during a separate interview on CTV Morning Live.
“We’re certainly reaching out to all those in the surrounding area and the community to help them.”
Police said early Thursday morning that one person had been taken to an Ottawa hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Several Ottawa police cruisers were parked outside a townhouse on Berrigan Drive Thursday morning. Yellow police tape could be seen blocking access to the back of the homes.
Yellow police tape at the back of a home on Berrigan Drive in Barrhaven. Ottawa police say six people were found deceased at the home Wednesday night. (James Fish/CTV Morning Live)
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe posted a statement on social media, calling the deaths of six people, “one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city’s history.”
“I was devastated to learn of the multiple homicide in Barrhaven,” Sutcliffe said.
“We are proud to live in a safe community but this news is distressing to all Ottawa residents. Ginny and I are thinking of the family members and neighbours of the victims. Thank you to our emergency responders who are investigating and supporting those who are affected by this terrible event.”
Barrhaven East Coun. Wilson Lo said, “I’m saddened to learn of the tragic loss of six Barrhaven neighbours last night.”
“My heart and mind are with their loved ones and neighbours close by. OPS have a person in custody and will complete a thorough investigation. I’m confident they will continue to keep us safe.”
Nepean MPP Lisa Macleod said on social media, “My community has woken up to shock, grief and tragedy today as 6 people, including four children, have been murdered.”
“There are no words for the heartbreak me and my neighbours feel for the surviving family, friends & playmates of the deceased.”
The homicide scene on Berrigan Drive is located off of Longfields Drive and near Berrigan Elementary School and Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School.
“This is a tragic and complex investigation, and investigative teams remain on Berrigan Drive,” police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222 ext. 5493.
This is a breaking news story. CTV News Ottawa will have the latest as it becomes available
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